How to Make Self-Rising Flour

Making a recipe that calls for self-rising flour, but don’t have any in the pantry? Are you wondering what self rising-flour even is? This recipe will teach you how to make your own in a pinch with three simple ingredients and explain what it is and how it’s used.

What is Self-Rising Flour?

Self-rising flour is regular all-purpose flour that is pre-mixed with baking powder and salt. Hence the name ‘self-rising’, this flour will allow your baked goods to rise on their own without any additional leavening agents.

Self-rising flour is a convenient mixture to have on hand and it is incredibly easy to make and requires only 3 ingredients you. This flour can give you a consistent rise in some classic baked goods, such as banana bread, cake, and pancakes.

How to Make Self-Rising Flour with All-Purpose Flour

To make self-rising flour you will need baking powder, salt, and all-purpose flour. Whisk together 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt for every 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Ensure the ingredients are thoroughly combined together before using in a recipe or placing in a container for storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does self-rising flour go bad?

This flour contains baking powder, it will only be good until the baking powder expires. Baking powder on average is best used within 3 months of opening the container before it begins to lose its potency. An unopened container of baking powder can be stored for up to 6 months.

If making self-rising flour to use immediately in a recipe, check the expiration date on your baking powder first. If making it to store, I recommend using freshly opened baking powder and using the flour withing 3 months.

What’s the difference between regular flour and self-rising flour?

Self-rising flour has leavening agents added to it. Regular flours, such as all-purpose and bread flour, do not have any leavening agents added to them. Regular flour will not work as a substitute for self-rising flour in a recipe since it does not contain the necessary leavening agents to make your baked goods rise.

Can I use cake flour to make self-rising flour?

Even though self-rising flour is typically made with all-purpose flour, cake flour can be used. Cake flour differs from all-purpose flour because it has a finer grain and much lower gluten content.

The fine texture of cake flour and its low gluten content make it ideal for using in baked goods that with a light and tender crumb. Since most recipes that call for self-rising flour are cakes and quick breads, cake flour is a a good substitute for all-purpose flour in this recipe.

Can I use bread flour to make self-rising flour?

Bread flour is not a good substitute for all-purpose flour when making homemade self-rising flour. Bread flour has a high gluten content, making it best for yeasted breads, but not ideal for quick-bread type recipes.

Since most recipes that call for self-rising flour fall into the quick-bread category, using a bread flour based self-rising flour could cause excess gluten development and lead to tough and dense baked good.

How to Store Self-Rising Flour

Making your own self-rising flour and storing it is a great way to ensure you always have some on hand.

Place the flour in an air-tight container and store in a cool, dry, dark place, such as the pantry. An air-tight container will ensure the flour stays fresh and keeps out unwanted pests.

Do not store self-rising flour in the refrigerator or freezer. The humidity of the refrigerator can cause the baking powder in the flour to react while being stored.

If properly stored this flour will keep for 3 months.

Recipes Using Self-Rising Flour

• 4-Ingredient Banana Bread
• Coffee and Walnut Cake
• Self-rising Flour Pancake Recipe
• Easy Beer Bread
• Self Rising Cornmeal Cornbread